Kookaburras Dane Furness (left) and Malcom Niblett trap Darley’s Jake Zeestraten. Picture: Adam Trafford.
A SOLID 33-point victory sees Darley back on the winners’ list at the expense of Sebastopol at Marty Bush Reserve on Saturday.
After an even first quarter the Devils gradually took control of the match, to win 13.11 (89) to Sebastopol’s 8.8 (56).
The Globe Hotel Kookaburras started strongly, showing plenty of confidence as a carry over from their victory the previous Saturday against Melton.
Darley coach Rod MacPherson said that was to be expected.
“Sebastopol has a reputation of being very competitive at home,” MacPherson said.
“Their win last weekend was totally out of the box, and to have a goalkicker kick 11 goals, there were real concerns for us coming in off our loss last week.”
Those concerns were justified as the Kookaburras served up a decent opening before the Devils stepped it up a gear in the second quarter.
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Jake Edwards and Brendon Porter were instrumental in powering Darley to a 20-point lead at half time.
Porter, in particular, played a significant role in front of goal, eventually finishing with six for the match.
“(Porter) really did capitalise when we had the wind. He made maximum benefit out of that and six goals was a good result in the conditions,” MacPherson said.
Sebastopol tired in the third quarter, failing to kick a goal as Darley kicked 4.1. It was to prove a decisive one for the visitors.
A late burst in the final quarter from the Kookaburras was not enough to secure a second victory for the season.
Darley’s captain Jarrod Edwards and vice-captain Travis Minns were among the better players for the visitors, along with Jae McGrath and Harley Inglis.
Nathan Jackel had also made an impact on the contest until he came off late in the first quarter and was taken to hospital with a dislocated elbow.
Sebastopol coach Shawne Dummett said Darley proved the stronger side but praised his own team for refusing to throw in the towel.
“We’re a little bit disappointed after last week’s effort but Darley played well today.
“We thought we might have been a chance but they were too strong for us, and bigger and better around the contest and the stoppages,” Dummett said.
“Our third quarter really hurt us but I am proud of the boys and the way they fought it out in the last quarter.”
Brad Waight, Chase Dummett and Malcom Niblett were all solid for the Kookaburras.
Sebastopol has another chance to record a victory when it travels to take on out-of-form Bacchus Marsh, while Darley has a tougher assignment against an in-form East Point.
Darley 13.11 (89)
Sebastopol 8.8 (56)
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